Sprint Daniels, one of many prime worldwide prospects within the 2026 NBA draft class, has dedicated to becoming a member of Melbourne United as a part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program subsequent season, he introduced Friday.
Sprint Daniels joins Melbourne United as a part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program, will grow to be draft-eligible in June 2026
The 6-foot-6 Daniels, who’s the brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, turns 17 years previous on Dec. 18. Regardless of signing a multi-year contract, he’ll grow to be draft-eligible in June 2026.
“I’m becoming a member of one of many hardest leagues on this planet,” Daniels instructed ESPN. “Taking part in towards grown males at a younger age will solely assist me develop. The Subsequent Stars Program has confirmed to assist numerous younger stars obtain their dream of enjoying within the NBA, which is mine additionally. ”
Sprint Daniels – one of many prime worldwide prospects within the 2026 NBA draft – has signed with Melbourne United as a part of the NBL Subsequent Stars program, he tells ESPN. He’s the brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who has emerged as one of many NBA’s premier defenders. pic.twitter.com/kbg1bIzmTc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2024
In line with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Daniels follows lottery picks Alex Sarr, Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and Ousmane Dieng into the Australian league’s Subsequent Stars program, which now has two potential 2026 lottery picks, together with Mexican ahead Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers.
Sprint’s brother, Dyson, was chosen eighth general within the 2022 NBA draft out of the now-inactive Ignite of the G League. Via 24 video games (all begins) this season, he’s averaging profession highs of 13.7 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and three.2 steals per contest. His steals-per-game common additionally leads the league.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Sprint’s brother, leads the NBA in steals and is a prime Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate
The 21-year-old was named the NBA’s Japanese Convention Defensive Participant of the Month in December and is main the league in steals (73) and steals per 36 minutes (3.2), per Basketball-Reference. Dyson may grow to be the youngest participant ever to win NBA Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
“It’s been nice to look at all of the success he’s having,” Sprint instructed ESPN. “I at all times knew he had it in him. It was only a matter of time earlier than he began placing himself on the map. He’s lastly being acknowledged for all of the little issues he does to assist his workforce win.”
Sprint Daniels is predicted to grow to be an elite NBA defender, identical to his brother. He recorded a tournament-high 3.6 steals per recreation on the FIBA U17 World Cup this previous summer time in Istanbul.
Charania famous that the most important distinction between Sprint and Dyson is their top. Though Sprint is 6-foot-6, Dyson is reportedly an inch taller at 6-foot-7, in response to NBA.com. Nevertheless, Basketball-Reference lists Dyson at 6-foot-8.
“We do have our similarities and variations,” Sprint stated about his brother. “We each love enjoying protection, getting steals, studying what the offense is doing, having the ability to soar the lanes, and being in the best assist positions.
“And we each get out in transition, get to the midrange floater recreation, and are aggressive getting on the rim. I play just a little bit extra with the ball in my arms, create for teammates, use extra on-ball screens, and beat my defender off of a fast first step.”
Sprint attended the NBA World Academy in Canberra
Moreover, Sprint Daniels spent a number of years with the NBA World Academy in Canberra, gaining expertise with the Australian junior nationwide groups on the FIBA degree and in camps and tournaments all through the U.S.
The Daniels brothers are the sons of American basketball participant Ricky Daniels, who went to varsity at North Carolina State and performed professionally in Australia.
Per Charania’s report, Sprint was closely recruited to play school basketball, receiving provides from Florida, Louisville, LSU, and SMU, along with different NBL groups.
“I joined the Subsequent Stars program for plenty of causes, however the principle one being, I will begin my professional journey a yr earlier within the NBL than If I used to be to go to varsity, as I wouldn’t be eligible till subsequent yr.”
Sprint is a proficient scorer and playmaker. He can play on or off the ball and has loads of versatility on each ends. Much like his brother, the younger standout has loads of room for progress.
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